Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

44% of Australian Women report Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain, known as “PrPGP”, with approximately 10% of those women reporting persistent pain beyond their pregnancy. This condition has a negative impact on a woman’s quality of life, impacting on her psychological and emotional health.  Many women experiencing PrPGP are dismissed and advised their condition is ‘normal’, with only 25% being referred on for management.

PrPGP is described as any pain occurring in the pelvis (specifically between the iliac crests and the gluteal fold, particularly in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joints). The pain can radiate down the back of the thigh (known as the posterior thigh), and can also occur in conjunction with, or separately in the area between your left pelvic bone and your right pelvic bone, known as the pubic symphysis. This pain can cause a reduced capacity to stand, walk and sit.

The good news is that PrPGP can be successfully managed with pelvic physiotherapy. It is important to have a thorough assessment to determine what is contributing to developing PrPGP.

What are some reasons why I am experiencing PrPGP?

Like other pain conditions, development of PrPGP is often multifactorial.  During pregnancy, the structures of the pelvis are more sensitised, compared to non-pregnant women. Biological, Psychological and social factors all contribute to the complex and individual nature of PrPGP.

To accommodate a growing baby, postural changes and changes in muscle activity influence the motor control around your pelvis, hips, abdomen and lower back. These changes influence the forces going through the pelvis and can lead to the development of pain. Women are far more likely to experience PrPGP, if they have previously experienced pelvic or lower back pain. Similarly, women who experience high stress, depression or anxiety are significantly more likely to be impacted by PrPGP.

Your Physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment to determine the contributing factors to your pain and develop an integrated holistic management plan to aid your recovery.

How long does it take for PrPGP to go away?  

Not everyone is the same when it comes to pelvic girdle pain, so the required physiotherapy treatment and exercise plan may depend on the contributing factors and severity of your symptoms. How long it takes for the pain to reduce will depend on your physical wellbeing and the issues that you’re experiencing. Physiotherapy is recommended before and after childbirth to optimise your pregnancy and birth experience. Your initial visit to determine the recommended treatment plan will be defined by the type of pelvic girdle pain you’re experiencing.

Are there any at home treatments for PrPGP?

With the right amount of physiotherapy that you receive from our pelvic physiotherapists, you’ll learn how to manage and rectify pelvic girdle pain. At our clinic in Bondi Junction or St Leonards, our helpful team will guide you each step of the way, and offer you additional education and treatments through our  Bump, Birth, and Beyond services, which are dedicated to improving pregnancy and birth experiences for all woman.

Our Bump, Birth & Beyond services include; pelvic physio, pregnancy massage and pregnancy exercise classes that will reduce the discomfort from PrPGP and provide the best treatments to improve quality of life with pelvic girdle pain. This can also include how and when to use support belts, which can further relieve these pain issues. We’ll further recommend helpful exercises that you can practice at home which helps continue your therapy through the methods taught in our classes.

Book your Bump, Birth & Beyond Pregnancy Assessment today via our online booking portal.